New homes on the market are now smart homes designed to save energy and offer convenience and versatility. There are many innovative standard features offered by new home builders and other features that can be ordered by buyers.
These eco-friendly features include:
- Complete solar systems
- Geothermal energy
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Tankless or hybrid water heaters
- Vinyl dual-pane windows
- LED interior and exterior lighting
- New energy-saving heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
Solar Systems
Solar systems save by taking endlessly renewable energy from the sun. The cost of the solar home system is offset with low electrical bills, or you may be able to live “off the grid” and not have power bills. You also have your own power source if the local grid experiences outages due to weather and other problems. Solar panels and the battery storage system are an upgrade offered by many new home builders.
A recent California regulation mandates solar power for new buildings beginning in 2023.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy-saving appliances and lighting are part of the California Green Building Standards Code with requirements for energy efficiency, water conservation, materials use, and preservation of air quality. The Cal Green Certification is the first program in the US designed for a new home and commercial building.
Many new homes have low-energy appliances. These appliances, including dishwashers and washing machines, are designed to use less electricity and water. New refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and clothes dryers are also energy-efficient. These modern appliances are selling points for new homes.
The appliances are approved by Energy Star, a major selling point for home buyers.
Most new home appliances are wired, so they can be operated with smartphones or other remote devices. You can start a dishwasher or dryer remotely if you are away from home.
Lighting
New homes offer LED or light-emitting diode lights that are more efficient. This includes recessed lighting and pendant lights in kitchens and other areas of the home. Outdoor lighting also uses LED lights. The LED fixtures last longer and use less energy than standard bulbs.
Compact Fluorescent Lights are also used to save energy in kitchens and other rooms.
Most energy-saving light fixtures some with special sensors and cameras that can be programmed to work remotely with your smartphone.
- You can see who is at the door when you are not home.
- You can also manage appliances and lights from your smartphone.
- You can turn the lights on and off remotely, a feature that saves energy if you forget to turn off the lights before you leave.
Modern Windows in New Homes
Special dual pane windows keep heat or cooled air inside a home. In addition, many new home upgrades include automatic blinds or drapes that can be lowered when necessary.
Dual pane windows usually have a layer of gas between the panes. They also have Low-Emittance glass to filter out harmful ultraviolet rays.
New HVAC Thermostat Systems
New homes feature high-efficiency electric heat pumps as part of the HVAC system. A programmable smart thermostat to automatically control the temperature of your home at all times is also part of the package. The modern thermostat is another appliance that can also operate remotely with your smartphone.
Water-Saving Fixtures
New homes also feature innovative water-saving features. As an example, touchless faucets in bathrooms and kitchens also save water and energy. The low-flow faucet starts or turns off immediately due to a sensor that knows when your hands need water. You can set the desired water temperature.
Landscaping that is drought-friendly is used in areas where water conservation is necessary. Attractive native plants that do not require much water are used extensively.
New homes designed to save energy will continue to increase in value. Now is the time to invest in the future.
